Charles Street is one of the most important throughways in Baltimore City. It’s a street you’re likely family with if you’ve ever visited Baltimore. Some of the city’s biggest attractions align along this historic route. Charles Street is more than a road, it’s a central piece of Baltimore history and has an interesting background in and of itself. Today, let’s take a quick look at the History of Charles Street in Baltimore.
The Early History of Charles Street
This history of Charles Street stretches back to 1729 when its original portion was drawn up in a map for Baltimore Town. In those times, it was known by a different name: Forest (or Forrest) Street. 30 years later, the road was being referred to as Charles Street for unknown reasons. However, it is believed the name is derived from Charles Calvert, the fifth Lord of Baltimore. Eventually, the street stretched beyond Baltimore, terminating at the northern end at Bellona Avenue in Towson. Its southern terminus sits in the Federal Hill neighborhood. Charles Street evolved to be more than just a throughway: it became the demarcating line that separates what is considered the east and west portions of the city. West Baltimore lies to the west of Charles Street, and likewise, East Baltimore is situated to the east of Charles Street.
The Attractions of Charles Street
The history of Charles Street in Baltimore is defined by its central location, and access the street provides to so many of Baltimore’s best amenities and most famous landmarks. Because of this, the entire length of the road is designated a National Scenic Byway known as Baltimore’s Historic Charles Street. It acts as a self-contained tourism guide in many ways, taking travelers through some of Baltimore’s most recognizable neighborhoods, from Federal Hill to Mt. Vernon and Charles Village. Visitors can take a trip to the renowned Baltimore Museum of Art or the historic Walters Art Museum. Some of the city’s most prized educational institutes, including Johns Hopkins University, MICA, and Loyola, are directly off Charles Street or located nearby. Some of the city’s best dining and entertainment options can be found along this corridor, making for a journey that has something for everyone.
Investing Along Charles Street
Thanks to its central location throughout the city and abundance of attractions, Charles Street is a great option for real estate investors in Baltimore to begin their search. Large parts of Charles Street offer easy access to major transit options for commuters, including I-83 and Penn Station. The close proximity of so many renowned education institutions creates a strong demand for housing along the Charles Street corridor. The amenities offered within its vicinity are top-notch. If you’re searching for investment properties in Baltimore City, the Charles Street corridor is a great place to start. And the team at Ben Frederick Realty is ready to help you find the best Baltimore investment properties for you. Contact our team today to get started.